Boeing 757-200 vs 727

By: Rocco · June 23, 2023

Comparing the Boeing 757-200 vs the Boeing 727? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Boeing 757-200
Mid Size Passenger Jets
Boeing 757-200
Boeing 727
Mid Size Passenger Jets
Boeing 727

General

Units
Boeing 757-200
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
B752
Produced
1982–2005
Price
$65 million (2002)
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney PW2037
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 42,600 lbf · 189 kN +63% (total)
Avionics
Rockwell Collins CRT
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
239
Boeing 727
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
B727
Produced
1962–1984
Price
$22 million (1982)
Engine
3 × Pratt And Whitney P&W JT8D-7/9/11
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
3 × 17,400 lbf · 77 kN -39% (total)
Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
189

Dimensions

Boeing 757-200
Cabin width
11 ft 6 in 3.50 m 11 ft 6 in 3.50 m -2%
Cabin height
6 ft 11 in 2.10 m 6 ft 11 in 2.10 m 0%
Cabin length
125 ft 8 in 38.30 m 125 ft 8 in 38.30 m +36%
Exterior length
155 ft 2 in 47.30 m 155 ft 2 in 47.30 m +1%
Tail height
44 ft 7 in 13.60 m 44 ft 7 in 13.60 m +28%
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 6 in 3.80 m 12 ft 6 in 3.80 m +1%
Wing span
124 ft 8 in 38.00 m 124 ft 8 in 38.00 m +15%
Baggage volume
154 ft 2 in 47.00 m 154 ft 2 in 47.00 m +9%
Boeing 727
Cabin width
11 ft 8 in 3.56 m 11 ft 8 in 3.56 m +2%
Cabin height
6 ft 11 in 2.11 m 6 ft 11 in 2.11 m +0%
Cabin length
92 ft 8 in 28.24 m 92 ft 8 in 28.24 m -26%
Exterior length
153 ft 2 in 46.68 m 153 ft 2 in 46.68 m -1%
Tail height
34 ft 11 in 10.65 m 34 ft 11 in 10.65 m -22%
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 4 in 3.76 m 12 ft 4 in 3.76 m -1%
Wing span
108 ft 0 in 32.92 m 108 ft 0 in 32.92 m -13%
Baggage volume
141 ft 1 in 43.00 m 141 ft 1 in 43.00 m -9%

Weights

Boeing 757-200
Max payload
57,000 lb 25,900 kg 57,000 lb 25,900 kg +32%
Fuel capacity
11,276 gal 42,684 L 11,276 gal 42,684 L +7%
Max takeoff weight
220,000 lb 100,000 kg 220,000 lb 100,000 kg +5%
Max landing weight
198,000 lb 90,000 kg 198,000 lb 90,000 kg +23%
Boeing 727
Max payload
43,300 lb 19,700 kg 43,300 lb 19,700 kg -24%
Fuel capacity
10,570 gal 40,012 L 10,570 gal 40,012 L -6%
Max takeoff weight
209,500 lb 95,000 kg 209,500 lb 95,000 kg -5%
Max landing weight
161,000 lb 73,000 kg 161,000 lb 73,000 kg -19%

Performance

Boeing 757-200
Max cruise speed
496 kt · 571 mph 919 km/h 496 kt 571 mph 919 km/h -7%
Approach speed
140 kt · 161 mph 259 km/h 140 kt 161 mph 259 km/h +32%
Rate of climb
3,500 ft/min 18 m/s 3,500 ft/min 18 m/s +40%
Range
3,915 nm · 4,510 mi 7,250 km 3,915 nm 4,510 mi 7,250 km +46%
Service ceiling
42,000 ft 12,800 m 42,000 ft 12,800 m 0%
Takeoff distance
6,800 ft 2,070 m 6,800 ft 2,070 m +17%
Landing distance
4,600 ft 1,400 m 4,600 ft 1,400 m -10%
Boeing 727
Max cruise speed
534 kt · 615 mph 989 km/h 534 kt 615 mph 989 km/h +8%
Approach speed
106 kt · 122 mph 196 km/h 106 kt 122 mph 196 km/h -24%
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min 13 m/s 2,500 ft/min 13 m/s -29%
Range
2,690 nm · 3,100 mi 4,980 km 2,690 nm 3,100 mi 4,980 km -31%
Service ceiling
42,000 ft 12,800 m 42,000 ft 12,800 m 0%
Takeoff distance
5,800 ft 1,770 m 5,800 ft 1,770 m -15%
Landing distance
5,100 ft 1,550 m 5,100 ft 1,550 m +11%

Boeing 727 comparisons

No other comparisons yet.

Planes have been around since 1903, and technology has advanced dramatically. Two of the most popular designs are the Boeing 757 and the 727. Both have been used extensively in commercial aviation, but there are some critical differences between the two.

About the Boeing 757

The Boeing 757 is an iconic aircraft known for its expense, impressive performance, and comfort. It was first introduced in 1983, and since then, it has gone through numerous modifications to improve the design of this remarkable plane.

One of the most notable features is its incredible speed; with a full top speed of 982 km/h and an impressive range – of 7,222 km – you’ll be able to reach your destination much sooner than anticipated! What’s more, with a wingspan of 38 m and a length of 47 m, more passengers can fly in greater comfort while also minimizing environmental damage: these dimensions are ideal for flights that cross long distances.

The Rolls-Royce RB211 and Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines guarantee excellent performance capability while minimizing fuel costs. Typically, prices start at 80 million US dollars but may go up to 100 million depending on the upgrades available on each model.

Why was it developed and built?

The Boeing 757 was designed to replace the widely popular 727, as it is a more modern and efficient aircraft. It has improved performance with a higher speed, more excellent range, and larger capacity. It is also more reliable with modern engines designed to reduce fuel costs and emissions. Additionally, the 757 has been designed to be more comfortable for passengers, with adjustable seats and excellent legroom.

What purpose did it serve?

It provided a more modern, efficient, and comfortable aircraft to the commercial aviation industry.

About the Boeing 727

The Boeing 727 is a highly successful and widely used mid-size, narrow-body three-engine jetliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. With a unit cost ranging from 4,250,000 USD in 1963 to 22,000,000 USD in 1982, the 727 made aviation more accessible and affordable than ever.

First flown on 9 February 1963, the aircraft has a wingspan of 33 meters and is powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines that boost it to a maximum cruise speed of 917 km/h.

Built with advanced features such as leading-edge slats and thrust reversal systems that allow it to land on relatively short airstrips, the 727 has become a popular transport option among airlines with 189 seats per aircraft. Its sturdy design has allowed it to remain in active service since its first flight over 50 years ago.

Why was it developed and built?

The Boeing 727 was designed to meet the needs of the commercial aviation industry by providing an affordable, mid-sized jetliner with advanced features that allowed it to land on shorter runways. It was also designed to be reliable and cost-efficient, with a long service life that has allowed it to stay in active service since the 1960s.

What purpose does it serve?

It provides an economical and reliable solution for mid-range flights, offering better performance than its predecessors with improved speed, capacity, and range. It is still a popular choice among airlines that require flexibility and cost-effectiveness in their operations.

How are Boeing 757 and Boeing 727 different?

The Boeing 757 and the Boeing 727 are two popular jet airliners produced by the Boeing Corporation throughout its long history in the aerospace industry. The 757 is a larger aircraft designed as a medium-range craft to move passengers over average distances of 1,550 to 3,100 nautical miles. This makes it well-suited for transcontinental routes.

By contrast, the 727 was designed to be smaller and shorter-ranged; it typically flew only 600-2,000 nautical miles on most routes through its tenure. This size gap also extends to cabin space, where the 757 offers almost double what its predecessor does at 209 seats versus 128 with open seating options for a maximum passenger capacity of 239 compared to 189 for the Boeing 727.

Additionally, with advances in technology that have come since it was introduced in 1961 and servicing discontinued from 1984 onwards, the engine of the Boeing 727 has far less thrust than that of an equivalent model 757. It does not possess winglets or equally modern aerobatics technology.

Regarding fuel efficiency, however, both airliners run on similar Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines with similar fuel tanks and offer close to equal MPG scores despite their different sizes.

How are Boeing 757 and Boeing 727 similar?

The Boeing 757 and the Boeing 727 are two popular jet airliners produced by the Boeing Corporation throughout its long history in the aerospace industry. They both have similar Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, with identical fuel tanks that offer close to equal MPG scores. Both have advanced features, such as leading-edge slats and thrust reversal systems, that allow them to land on relatively short airstrips.

What’s better about Boeing 757?

Engine

The Boeing 757 is equipped with two modern, fuel-efficient engines. These engines are designed to be reliable and economical, with improved performance in specific areas such as takeoff and climb.

Cabin

The 757 cabin is spacious and comfortable, providing room for up to 220 passengers in a current two-class configuration. The cabin also features larger overhead bins and comfortable seating for an enhanced passenger experience.

Safety

As one of the safest aircraft in the sky, the Boeing 757 is built with advanced technology to ensure safety for both passengers and crew. The 757 features reinforced wings, fuselage, and improved landing gear for increased durability. The 757 also has a strengthened cargo floor to prevent objects from falling and causing damage to the cabin.

What’s better about Boeing 727?

Development

The Boeing 727 is one of the first commercial jetliners designed and developed by the company. It has been in active service since 1964, making it one of the longest-lasting aircraft in history.

Size

The size of the 727 is much smaller than its successor, which makes it an ideal choice for short-haul and domestic routes. The smaller size also makes it more cost-effective and efficient to operate and easier to maintain.

Conclusion

The Boeing 757 and 727 are two of the most popular jet airliners in history. The 757 is larger and has more modern technology, making it well-suited for long-range and transcontinental routes. The 727 is smaller, more cost-effective, and has been in service for longer, making it the ideal choice for short-haul and domestic routes. Ultimately, both aircraft offer a safe and comfortable experience for passengers regardless of their destination.